I Hate Rangers

Glasgow Rangers have acquired Joey Barton on a two-year deal. The 33-year-old midfielder joins as a free agent on 1 July after turning down the offer of new terms at Burnley FC.

He was the Turf Moor club's player of the year as they won the Championship title to return to top flight club football in England.

Barton told Rangers website "When I first found out there was an opportunity to come here, that got the blood pumping.

"I'm fully aware of the situation the club has been in for the last few years but to be part of a group that is going to put this club back where it belongs was an opportunity, that if I didn't take, I would probably have regretted it for the rest of my life."

Barton, capped once for England, has featured for Manchester City, Newcastle and QPR. He also played the 2012/2013 season on loan in the French top flight with Marseille.

The experienced midfielder visited Glasgow last week where he explained "It was very simple. I came up, had a look around and was instantly impressed - both with what is happening at the club just now but also the history and tradition of the place.

On the back of the signing Rangers moved up into one of the favourites positions in the Scottish permier League with the StanJames betting markets on the SPL putting them at 6/1 behind Celtic.

"I went away with Rangers at the forefront of my mind, and I just knew I had to go and do it, and it was something I had to be a part of."

Barton spent one successful season with Burnley and took to social media tool Twitter to explain his decision to leave the club despite the opportunity to play in the English Premier League.

He posted via his personal handle "Thanks to all the Burnley fans and everyone connected to the club. Amazing support this year that will live with me for a lifetime.

"Toughest decision of my professional life to leave an amazing set of people and a phenomenal culture behind.
"Club is in a great place on and off the pitch with great custodians at the helm. Thanks again for the opportunity to represent your club.

"I was presented with an opportunity and challenge the competitive animal in me just could not turn down. Onwards and upwards now."